After taking two of three from Northeastern University, the Hofstra University baseball team traveled to New Jersey to take on Rutgers University on Tuesday, March 31, for a 5-4 victory. Reigning Co-Coastal Athletic Association Player of the Week Michael Brown led the Pride as he drove in the run that gave Hofstra the lead and scored what eventually became the game-winning run. 

On the mound for the Pride was Joseph Curreri, who made his first start of the season. He entered the evening without any decision this season and carried a 4.22 ERA. He pitched 4.1 innings, struck out three batters, gave up six hits, walked one batter and allowed one run.

For the Scarlet Knights, Henry Radbill took the mound, also entering Monday’s contest with an 0-0 record and a 7.30 ERA. He pitched 3.2 innings, struck out one batter, gave up four hits, walked two batters and allowed one run.

Rutgers got to Curreri early. Their first two batters, Peyton Bonds and Tristan Salinas, both singled then stole second and third, respectively. Trey Wells flew out to center field, but Bonds came home to open the scoring in favor of the Scarlet Knights. 

The Pride struck back in the top of the third. JJ DeVito singled to right field, which scored Tyler Castrataro to tie things up at 1-1. 

Hofstra added to their lead in the fifth inning. Brown drove in George Holt to give the Pride their first lead of the evening and then came home to score on a sacrifice fly to center field from Tyler Cox.           

The Scarlet Knights dragged a run back in the eighth after Matt Chatelle bounced a single through the right side of the infield, which scored Yomar Carreras from second. The Pride then looked to Maddon McArthur to lock down the final five outs. McArthur only allowed one hit and shut down the Scarlet Knights, earning his first career Division I save. 

With the win, Hofstra improved to 9-14 on the season, while Rutgers dropped to 15-13.

Hofstra looks to keep the momentum going as they travel to Maryland to start a series against Towson University. Game one of the series was set for Thursday, April 2. First pitch was set for 3 p.m.